The Best Guest Stars To Ever Appear On “The Walking Dead”

Shock is nothing new to anyone who (binge) watches The Walking Dead, and the latest twist includesremoving a major character’s name from show’s credits. Fans aren’t sure what to make of the mishap, but it does bring back some memories of all the characters we loved and were heartbroken when they were killed off.

Check out some of the best Walking Dead guest stars to ever touch foot in the apocalyptic world who (probably) didn’t make it out alive.

Corey Hawkins

It was announced back in June that Corey would be in the sixth season of the zombie thriller, and it looks like he won’t be type cast after doing a great job as Dr. Dre in Straight Outta Compton. A graduate of the prestigious Juilliard School, Hawkins’ wide ranging talents should serve him well as the key character Heath in The Walking Dead. He’ll change things up again when he stars in the new King Kong movie, which is set to release in 2017. And if you loved the chemistry between Dr. Dre and Eazy-E, you‘ll get a chance to see the duo again – Jason Mitchell has been added to the blockbuster cast.

Chad L. Coleman

Aside from starring in The Walking Dead for three seasons, any Wire fans will remember Chad as one of the few good-hearted people on the show. He was a reformed drug dealer who set up a boxing gym for kids in the neighborhood. Even Avon Barksdale and gif-god Wee-Bey Brice knew who Cutty was— he was one of the most respected street soldiers in Baltimore. His story was one of the most interesting in the show, as he admits his faults and attempts to change, but just can’t find the gumption to leave the street life.

Alexa Nikolas

Alexa’s background is a little different from the rest of the people on the list— she’s a Nickelodeon kid. Prior to being forced to kill her father and brother in The Walking Dead, she was running around a high school campus with Britney Spears’ little sister Jamie Lynn in Zoey 101. Alexa played a Valley Girl who’s obsessed with guys and is even jokingly diagnosed with OMGD, Obsessive Male Gender Disorder. She left the show after two seasons after repeatedly fighting with cast members. They would only last two more seasons, as Jamie Lynn became pregnant. Nickelodeon could have broken a lot of barriers by having a show with a pregnant high schooler…or not.

Melissa Ponzio

Melissa was Karen on The Walking Dead and in recent years, she’s risen to fame with several other shows. She plays Scott’s mother on MTV’s Teen Wolf, which is currently in its sixth season. Teen Wolf fell victim to the usual geeky guy gets hot girl plot in its first season, but has since stepped it up with the addition of new antagonists, crazy stunts, and action-filled episodes. Fans of Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago PD will also recognize Melissa as the fire chief’s wife.

Jon Bernthal

Hailing from Washington D.C., Jon got his acting chops while studying at The Moscow Art Theatre School in Russia. Sporting a buzz cut as Shane in The Walking Dead, he basically played the same character in The Wolf Of Wall Street, a man who unabashedly sells kids drugs, then makes obscene requests like, “Hey Carl, tell ya mother I was asking about her. Why don’t you bring me a pair of her panties next time you come through?” All of his scenes in the Leonardo DiCaprio-led film are golden.

Random Fact: He’s the nephew-in-law of professional wrestler Kurt Angle.

Kirk Acevedo

In The Walking Dead, Kirk plays Mitch, an ice cream truck driver who decided to use his driving skills to become a tank operator in the Army. After the outbreak, he joined the Governor’s cohorts. Fans of HBO will remember him from the legendary show Oz. He played Miguel Alvarez, a locked up member of the Cuban gang El Norte. Miguel was a hardened criminal whose father and grandfather were serving lifetime bids. It’s safe to say he was ‘bout it ‘bout it.

Seth Gilliam

Prior to his time as the Priest on The Walking Dead, Seth had a few things in common with others on this list. He played Detective Carver on The Wire, and shared a bond with Chad L. Coleman. The two were on different sides of the law, but put their differences aside to help build a recreational center for the community’s youth. Seth is also on MTV’s Teen Wolf as the town veterinarian. With a bunch of weird animals roaming around, he definitely earns his paycheck.

Tyler James Williams

After playing the kid Chris Rock, Tyler James Williams has appeared on House and Criminal Minds, but his most notable stint was on The Walking Dead. He’s first discovered as a survivor and soon joins Rick Grimes’ crew. And similar to his role on Everybody Hates Chris, he provides the perfect amount of comedic relief.

1. Hattie McDaniel was the first African-American woman to win for her role as Mammy in "Gone with the Wind."

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2. Sidney Poitier was the first African-American male actor to take the statue home.

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3. Louis Gossett Jr. was the first African-American actor to win Best Supporting Actor.

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4. Russell Williams took home the award for Best Sound for "Glory."

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5. Denzel Washington took home his gold for his role in "Training Day."

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6. Irene Cara was the first African American to win for a non-acting role when she won for Best Original Song.

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7. Lionel Richie won Best Original Song for "Say You, Say Me."

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8. Whoopi Goldberg won for her role as a spirit medium in "Ghost."

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9. Herbie Hancock was the first African-American to win for Best Original Score.

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10. Isaac Hayes was the first African-American to win for Best Original Song.

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11. TJ Martin was the first African-American to win Best Documentary Feature.

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12. Willie D. Burton was the first African-American to win for Best Sound.

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13. Prince took home the statue for Best Original Song Score for "Purple Rain."

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14. Cuba Gooding Jr. was a bit excited when he won Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Jerry Maguire."

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15. Who can forget Halle Berry's emotional speech when she won for her impeccable acting in "Monster's Ball."

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16. Morgan Freeman snagged himself a statute for Best Supporting Actor in "Million Dollar Baby."

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17. Jamie Foxx also tugged at heartstrings when he accepted his Oscar for his portrayal of Ray Charles in "Ray."

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18. Forest Whitaker took home the statue for Best Actor for his role in "The Last King of Scotland."

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19. Three 6 Mafia broke the record and caused quite the stir as the first rappers to win an Oscar.

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20. Jennifer Hudson also made waves when she, as a newcomer, took home the gold for Best Supporting Actress.

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21. Geoffrey Fletcher is the first African-American to win for Best Adapted Screenplay for "Precious."

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22. Mo'nique went on to win Best Supporting Actress in the film.

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23. Roger Ross Williams is the first African-American filmmaker to win Best Documentary Short Subject.

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24. Octavia Spencer warmed hearts when she won Best Supporting Actress for her role as no-nonsense Minny in "The Help."

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25. John Ridley won Best Adapted Screenplay for his take on "12 Years A Slave."

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26. Steve McQueen won Best Director for his work in "12 Years a Slave."

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27. Lupita Nyong'o was a fan favorite when she won Best Supporting Actress for her role as Patsey in "12 Years A Slave."

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Continue reading Black Excellence: All The Black People Who Have Won Oscars

Black Excellence: All The Black People Who Have Won Oscars

The 2017 Academy Awards are just days away and this year's nominees are blacker than ever!
Just a year after the #OscarsSoWhite controversy, the Academy has made it a point to make this year as diverse as possible. This year's nominees include greats like multiple Academy Award winner Denzel Washington, Viola Davis and breakout star of the year, Mahershala Ali.
In honor of Black Excellence, check out our gallery of black actors who have taken home the Oscar.